The Indian government seems to think so. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Wednesday said that quadricycles, or micro cars with tiny engines, could ply the roads India’s urban areas.

The ministry hopes these vehicles will eventually replace the ubiquitous three-wheeled auto-rickshaw. “The quadricycle is expected to be a substantial upgrade over the three-wheeler auto, which currently provides for the last mile connectivity in most urban areas of the country,” read the ministry statement announcing the rule change.

Last mile connectivity is a trade term among so-called urban mobility experts, which they consider the lynchpin of a successful public transport network. Around 70,000 auto rickshaws operate in New Delhi.

Thus far, there is only one quadricycle model in India, the Bajaj RE60. With a 200cc single-cylinder gasoline engine and a top-speed of 70 kph, it is only marginally more powerful than an auto-rickshaw. It does, however, have a sturdy roof and doors – a marked safety upgrade.

Auto rickshaws generally have a sheet metal body and a canvas roof. The driver sits up front and navigates with a motorcycle-like handlebar. There is seating in back for two people, or 20 in rural India.